French Open

[stroke]

So Sinner pretty much clobbers Gasquet. And Wawrinka is battling back from a 2 set deficit, but, as I write, is 3-4 down in the fourth.

Both Gasquet and Wawrinka looked decidedly middle-aged. I have always liked Stan but never been much of fan of Gasquet, who in my view has never been able to win a truly important game to save his life. Wawrinka looks a bit heavier and slower while Gasquet is at least moving around pretty well for an old codger.

I didn't see Carlos today but Sinner is looking pretty sharp.

I have always liked Gasquet. But like so many, his career was comprehensively altered by the big 3. To me, the game also has definitely changed. Sinner may be the best example of what is going on now, a guy that toes the baseline(not backing up) and pounding the ball off both sides. Just no where to go if he is not making many errors. Gasquet looked great for his age, as you say, looking way better physically than Murray and Stan. But the Sinner match up was a worst case situation to me for Gasquet. Gasquet has always given up way too much court on both wings, and nothing has ever changed.

[stotty]

So Sinner pretty much clobbers Gasquet. And Wawrinka is battling back from a 2 set deficit, but, as I write, is 3-4 down in the fourth.

Both Gasquet and Wawrinka looked decidedly middle-aged. I have always liked Stan but never been much of fan of Gasquet, who in my view has never been able to win a truly important game to save his life. Wawrinka looks a bit heavier and slower while Gasquet is at least moving around pretty well for an old codger.

I didn't see Carlos today but Sinner is looking pretty sharp.

[jimlosaltos]

We'd be remiss not to note another multi-major winner in play Hsieh Su-Wei, at 38 years old is number one in women's doubles
Has won 3 of the last 4 women's doubles titles at the majors - with a different partner each time.

No sponsor, no coach, only two rackets. No problem.

NYT:

Doubles
Australian W 2024
French W 2014, 2023
Wimbledon !W (2013, 2019, 2021, 2023)
US Open SF (2012, 2023)

NYTs feature, in print today.
Wiki profile

[jimlosaltos]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kYEXG5HZuV7jZUwT9

Updated odds to win the tournament.

Huh. Djokovic down to third, presumably the market adjusting to seeing that Alcaraz and Sinner are, after all, healthy?

[stroke]

Shotspot just showed the court position discrepancy thus far between them. Sinner pretty much towing the baseline, Gasquet a full 2 meters behind that.

[stroke]

Gasquet looks pretty good in losing the 1st set to Sinner, but it is typical Gasquet, so far behind the baseline. It is quite starting watching the difference in court position. Sinner a la Fed really holds the baseline.

[stroke]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kYEXG5HZuV7jZUwT9

Updated odds to win the tournament.

[jimlosaltos]

What a comeback by Iga! No bagels nor breadsticks by Iga but she cooked up some hot tennis when she had to.

Naomi serving for the match, gets broken next two games. Osaka won consistently - until the decisive points. Served for first set, broken lost tiebreak. Dominated second set. Broke early in the third. By far the best she's played since her childbirth comeback, and on her worst surface. So kudos to both players.

Early on Iga went at Naomi's backhand, with every winner in that corner. At the end, every one of Iga's winners was on the opposite, forehand sideline.

Interesting example for debating what counts in serving. Osaka credited with great serving. But Iga, after a low serving percentage in the second set, upped her serves in % for the third set and won the same number of points on first serve as Osaka. Stats guys will tell you the "highest correlation" is with first serve points won.

filedata/fetch?id=104429&d=1717008936&type=thumb

[jimlosaltos]

Osaka breaks to go up 2-0 in the third set.

"Claynomi" Osaka indeed.

[jimlosaltos]

And at least there’s Swiatek vs Osaka to watch. Outstanding level. On this showing Osaka might be on the verge of coming back to her best.

Indeed. Holy comeback -- Osaka's level goes from good to "gasp", takes the second set from world number one on Nu 1's best surface 6-1. Moving much better. After her performances so far this year it's like Osaka needed a world number one to attract her attention.

Most lopsided set Swiatek has lost all season.

What were the odds-makers saying about there being some baked goods in an Iga match, but with Iga the recipient?

[dimbleby69]

Rain. Rain. Rain.

At least Roland Garros has two stadiums with roofs.

And it gives refunds -- unlike a great many tennis tournaments.

And at least there’s Swiatek vs Osaka to watch. Outstanding level. On this showing Osaka might be on the verge of coming back to her best.

[jimlosaltos]

Curious match between Iga and Naomi.

Iga's supposed "relative" weakness is her serve, while it is Osaka's great strength, but Iga's the one that served great in the first set tiebreak. Overall, velocity (which isn't everything but is a lot) is quite similar.

Update: That was for the first set. In the second Naomi pulled away in good part by serving better as Iga's first serve percentage fell.

filedata/fetch?id=104424&d=1717002132&type=thumb

[jimlosaltos]

Rain. Rain. Rain.

At least Roland Garros has two stadiums with roofs.

And it gives refunds -- unlike a great many tennis tournaments.

[stroke]

Tsitsipas wins the first 2 sets vs Altmaier playing at his very best. Now in 4th set in a real fight.

[jimlosaltos]

Anybody heard of this French guy? Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 20 yo, 6 ft 8 in, R66

Took Goffin to 5 sets. Admittedly not Peak Goffin but still a solid player. Served 143 MPH Max/ 130 MPH average.

Since I never heard of him despite the top 100 rank I checked the ATP player card.

Won Lyon beating Gaston and Bublik along the way. 6-3 career.